Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish Water Spaniel is described by the AKC as playful, hardworking, brave, a member of the Sporting Group, originally from Ireland.
Last updated: October 2026 · 5 sources · see sources
| Height | 22-24 inches (male), 21-23 inches (female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 55-68 pounds (male), 45-58 pounds (female) [1] |
| Life expectancy | 12–13+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Playful / Hardworking / Brave [1] |
| AKC group | Sporting Group [1] |
| Origin | Ireland [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 169 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
A typical sporting dog, the Irish Water Spaniel is an active, high-energy companion. He is eager to please, making him relatively easy to train, but he needs lots of daily exercise. Long walks or hikes, running alongside a bicycle, chasing a ball in the backyard, or playing with other dogs daily will help to keep him physically and mentally healthy, and relaxed and calm while inside the home. [1]
Grooming
Begin grooming the Irish Water Spaniel when he is still a puppy and may not need a lot done yet. He should learn early on that grooming time is a positive experience. Gentle brushing and nail and ear cleaning should always be part of the grooming regimen. [1]
Health issues to budget for
Your veterinarian should be reminded that the IWS may have an adverse reaction to sulfa antibiotics, as well as the deworming medication Ivermectin. Most IWS are healthy dogs, and responsible breeders screen their stock for health conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia, allergies, and thyroid disease. Good breeders will utilize health screening and genetic testing to produce puppies who are as healthy as possible. Discuss any health questions with both your puppy's breeder and your veterinarian so you can make informed decisions about your dog's health. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Thyroid Evaluation. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a medium dog (median $482) | $239 – $1,107 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, medium dog | $589 – $1,571 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, medium dog | $264 – $2,106 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Irish Water Spaniel in 1878. [1]
- It ranked No. 169 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 144 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “IWS, Irisher.” [1]
- The AKC lists Ireland as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 4 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 5/5)
- ✅ People who want less dog hair at home (AKC shedding 1/5)
Common questions
How long do Irish Water Spaniels live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 12-13 years.
How big does a Irish Water Spaniel get?
AKC breed information lists height 22-24 inches (male), 21-23 inches (female) and weight 55-68 pounds (male), 45-58 pounds (female).
How much are vet bills for a Irish Water Spaniel?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For medium dogs like the Irish Water Spaniel, a typical vet bill runs $239 – $1,107 (median $482). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.